Grey, Kingswood meet today in key clash

HOSTS Kingswood and Grey High face arguably their most important cricket match of the season when they clash in Grahamstown today (3pm) to decide the CSA Twenty20 Challenge provincial winners.

After a series of playoffs around the province, the two sides have proved themselves worthy finalists, overcoming such redoubtable opponents as Framesby and St Andrew's along the way. Kingswood were crowned the Grahamstown champs when they won a key showdown against arch-rivals St Andrew's, confirming their potential as they chased down a daunting 169 in 20 overs.

In a recent clash against Woodridge, Kingswood showed they are equally capable with the ball after making a moderate 130. With Cameron Hertz leading the way, they bowled Woodridge out for 122.

Grey, meanwhile, had to overcome Framesby, who were last year's franchise winners, including a win over the Grey outfit.

This time, though, with batsmen Matthew Breetzke and skipper Garrick Mattheus showing fine form, the Grey lads were up for the occasion with a comfortable victory.

Both players will have important roles to play today, while Hertz will be looking for support from ace allrounder Brian Haller, Michael Braans and Jimmy Sholto-Douglas, who took four wickets against Woodridge, to put a strong Grey batting line-up under pressure.

Kingswood have had a good season, winning the Bathurst league title for the first time with a win over Manley Flats.

They have a group of capable players who would love to cap their season with a shot at the franchise title.

Grey, however, remain a potent force in Eastern Cape schools cricket. The talented Breetzke is a key man, but they have enough skill throughout their ranks to seriously test the Kingswoodians.

It should be a fitting finale to the provincial competition, with the winners meeting their counterparts from South Western Districts and Border to decide who goes to the national finals.